168 ARCTIC VOYAGES. Chap. VI. 



variation, and inclination of the magnetic needle. 

 The electrometer was frequently applied to the 

 mast-head chain, and the magnetic needle constantly 

 watched during all the appearances of the Aurora ; 

 but neither of these was on any one occasion sensibly 

 affected. Franklin, it may be observed, on the 

 shores of the Polar Sea, found it otherwise. 



On the 1st of February a new source of novelty 

 and amusement most unexpectedly presented itself 

 in the approach of some strange people towards the 

 ships. But Parry must describe the interview. 



" On the morning of the 1st of February it was reported 

 to me that a number of strange people were seen to the 

 westward, coming towards the ships over the ice. On 

 directing a glass towards them we found them to be Esqui- 

 maux, and also discovered some appearance of huts on shore 

 at the distance of two miles from the ships, in the same 

 direction. I immediately set out, accompanied by Com- 

 mander Lyon, an officer from each ship, and two of the men, 

 to meet the natives, who, to the number of five-and-twenty, 

 were drawn up in a line abreast, and still advanced slowly 

 towards us. As we approached nearer they stood still, 

 remaining as before, in a compact line, from which they did 

 not move for some time after we reached them. Nothing 

 could exceed their quiet and orderly behaviour on this oc- 

 casion, which presented a very striking contrast with the 

 noisy demeanour of the natives of Hudson's Strait. They 

 appeared at a distance to have arrows in their hands, but 

 what we had taken for bows or spears proved to be only a 

 few blades of whalebone, which they had brought either as 

 a peace-offering or for barter, and which we immediately 

 purchased for a few small nails and beads. Some of the 

 women, of whom there were three or four, as well as two 

 children, in this party, having handsome clothes on, which 



